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Article
Measuring change in somatosensation across the lifespan
American Journal of Occupational Therapy
  • Winnie Dunn, University of Kansas Medical Center
  • James W. Griffith, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  • Dory Sabata, University of Kansas Medical Center
  • Mary T. Morrison, University of Kansas Medical Center
  • Joy C. MacDermid, McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Amy Darragh, The Ohio State University
  • Roseann Schaaf, Thomas Jefferson University
  • Brian Dudgeon, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Lisa Tabor Connor, MGH Institute of Health Professions
  • Leeanne Carey, La Trobe University
  • Jennifer Tanquary, University of Kansas Medical Center
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.5014/ajot.2015.014845
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The study aim was to determine natural variability in somatosensation across age groups using brief measures. We validated measures in a community-dwelling population as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox; http://www.nihtoolbox.org). METHOD. Participants included community-dwelling children and adults (N = 367, ages 3-85 yr) across seven sites. We tested haptic recognition, touch detection-discrimination, and proprioception using brief affordable measures as required by the NIH Toolbox. RESULTS. Accuracy improved from young children to young adults; from young to older adults, the pattern reversed slightly. We found significant differences between adults and older adults. One proprioception test (kinesthesia; p =.003) showed gender differences (females more accurate). We provide expected score ranges for age groups as a basis for understanding age-related expectations for somatosensory perception. CONCLUSION. The age-related patterns of somatosensory perception from this study refine decision making about performance.

Notes

Article is freely available from the journal

Citation Information
Winnie Dunn, James W. Griffith, Dory Sabata, Mary T. Morrison, et al.. "Measuring change in somatosensation across the lifespan" American Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 69 Iss. 3 (2015) p. 6903290020
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/joy-macdermid/119/